Graz Pastes Over Beer Sponsor in Champions League
Dec 12, 2024, by Chris
- Sponsorship Conflict: SK Sturm Graz covered their beer sponsor, Puntigamer, with a black tap due to French alcohol advertising restrictions.
- Kit Adjustment: Unlike some other clubs, Sturm Graz did not use sponsor-free jerseys, instead covering their existing sponsor logo.
- Regulatory Precedence: National laws regarding alcohol advertising take precedence over sponsorship deals, forcing kit adjustments in certain countries.
In yesterday's UEFA Champions League match against Lille OSC, Austrian side SK Sturm Graz had to adjust its kit.
Graz Wears Black Tap Over Sponsor in Champions League Away Match vs Lille
Graz had a large black tap covering its main sponsor, Puntigamer, due to France's strict regulations against advertising alcohol brands, including beer. Puntigamer is a beer company and is the main sponsor for the team, appearing on their shirts during domestic and international matches, except where prohibited by law.
This situation isn’t new for teams sponsored by alcohol/betting brands, but it was notable that Sturm Graz opted not to bring sponsor-free shirts as some other clubs, like VfB Stuttgart, have done against Real Madrid in Spain.
Historically, similar sponsorship restrictions have affected teams in competitions held in countries like France, Italy, Germany, Spain and Turkey. UEFA rules allow national laws to take precedence over sponsorship deals, compelling clubs to adapt their kits for such occasions.
Have you seen more teams with adjusted kits in 2024-2025 UEFA competitions? Let us know in the comments below.
Viking FK 26-27 European Home and Away Kits Released
Norwegian club Viking FK have officially unveiled their new 2026-27 European home and away kits. Made by Diadora, the special shirts have been created for the club's UEFA Champions League campaign, marking Viking's return to the competition for the first time since 1992-93.
The Diadora Viking FK 2026-27 European home shirt features a dark navy base with vibrant pink detailing on the collar, sleeve cuffs, Diadora logo and sponsor branding. The chest displays an oak tree motif taken directly from the club's original crest.
The Viking FK 2026-27 European away shirt comes with a white base and thin vertical pinstripes, complemented by dark navy detailing on the collar and sleeve cuffs. The same oak tree emblem as the European home version appears on the chest.
What do you think of the new Viking FK 2026-27 European home and away kits? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.
Gwangju FC 2026 Third Kit Released
Following the introduction of home and away kits in February, Gwangju FC have officially unveiled their new third kit for the 2026 season, completing the full kit set from GOALSTUDIO.
The new design uses an eye-catching halftone marble graphic, with a slight shade of yellow gradient upon a full black base. The front collar, sleeve cuffs and sleeve seams are all white, matching with the club crest and brand logo. The third goalkeeper kit also shares the identical design, featuring light purple with a fading turquoise shade.
What do you think about the new GOALSTUDIO Gwangju FC third kit? Leave your thoughts in the comments below.
Mantova 1911 26-27 Away Kit Released
Italian club Mantova 1911 and Adidas have officially unveiled the club's new away shirt for the 26-27 season. The new kit introduces a refined design that will be worn throughout their upcoming campaign.
The Adidas Mantova 1911 26-27 away jersey is predominantly red, featuring a classic polo collar with white contrast detailing. White accents are applied to the collar trim, sleeve cuffs, and the Adidas logo on the right chest, offering a clean contrast against the base color. The club crest sits prominently on the left chest, accompanied by sponsor logos across the front.
Red shorts and red socks complete the full kit. Mantova's new away uniform has already debuted on the pitch during pre-season action and is available via official club outlets.
FC Barcelona 26-27 Third Kit Leaked - Long-Sleeve Version
Official studio images of the long-sleeve version of FC Barcelona's 26-27 third kit have surfaced online via Barca shirt collector @memorabilia1899, giving fans a complete look at the retro-inspired shirt ahead of its upcoming official presentation.
Designed by Nike, the FC Barcelona 26-27 third shirt pays homage to the classic 1996-97 Kappa away kit. It features a light teal base with a distinctive vertical zigzag split down the center. Navy accents appear on the collar and cuffs, complemented by subtle red piping along the shoulder seams. The design is completed with a traditional full-color Barcelona crest, a navy Spotify sponsor emblem, and a pink Nike Swoosh.